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Royal Proclamation
The Royal Proclamation prevented further settlements across North America until treaties with First Nations had been negotiated. It also recognized Aboriginal settlements as nations on the land, and formed the basis for multiple modern land claims. It was a pioneering document for its time. -
Reserve System
In 1830, First Nations were seen as an obstacle to British North American settlement, so they were forcefully relocated to reserves. Reserves are tracts of land reserved for First Nations;however, they are smaller than previous territories and are managed by the government. -
Indian Act
The Indian Act mandated Aboriginals as wards of the state. It involved the banning of many traditional practices and the denial of the right to vote unless they gave up their special status. While it did come with benefits such as medical care, hunting and fishing rights, and other benefits, many of the disadvantages outweighed the advantages. In essence, the act was a way for the government to encourage assimilation: the adoption of the dominant European language and culture of Canada. -
Aboriginal Right to Universal Suffrage
All First Nations were finally given the right to vote in federal elections. -
National Indian Brotherhood & Native Council of Canada Formed
The National Indian Brotherhood was formed to fight against assimilation and fight for self-government. They also authored the "Red Paper" in response to the "White Paper". The Native Council of Canada was an organization that advocated for First Nations rights. Their goals were similar to the National Indian Brotherhood. -
White Paper
The "White Paper" was made to address issues across many reservations, proposing the abolition of reserves and the ending of special status for treaty Indians. The government believed that equality/non-discrimination was important, and that the special status was the cause. This angered many First Nations, as they considered it "Cultural Genocide". The NIB and NCC were involved, and authored the "Red Paper" in response. The strong response prompted Trudeau to withdraw the proclamation in 1971. -
Residential School System Abolished (Not Closed)
While the system was formally abolished, many schools continued to run. However, native students were given the choice to attend public schools starting from 1951. -
Movement Towards Self Government
Aboriginal self government is the process of allowing First Nations to run their own communities, with the ability to control education, land, justice, and culture without government interference. After the efforts of the Assembly of First Nations, this became something that many Aboriginals were willing to fight for. As well, the government was not efficiently processing comprehensive claims, which dealt with unfinished treaties and land grievances. -
Assembly of the First Nations
This assembly was formed as an institutionalized pressure group to represent First Nations in federal dealings. They helped push for the inclusion of Aboriginal Rights in the Charter of Canadian Rights, as well as Bill C-31. As well, they advocate for the resolution of specific land claims, which involve land that was improperly handled while under treaty regulations. They also helped push for the resolution of comprehensive land claims, which deal with unfinished treaties. -
Passing of Bill C-31
Bill C-31 made several important changes to the Indian Act, including the abolishing of enfranchisement, as well as increased potential for self-government. Enfranchisement was the loss of special status upon becoming "enfranchised," which was legally entering Canadian mainstream society. After being enfranchised, they would lose rights to reserve lands and other aspects. However, C-31 allowed them to keep their ties to their status and reserves no matter what. -
Oka Standoff
The Oka Standoff was a culmination of tensions between Aboriginals and the Municipality of Oka in Quebec. Officials decided to extend a gold course onto traditional First Nations land, which prompted the Mohawks to create major road blockades for 6 months. The police attacked the barricades and one was killed, resulting in military intervention. Eventually, the government bought the land in question and transferred it to the First Nations. -
Meech Lake
The Meech Lake Accord was opposed by many First Nations, as they thought it was unfair Quebec was to be given special status but that First Nations were not given such protection. In 1990, Elijah Harper, a First Nations Leader from Manitoba affirmed this sentiment, as he believed that Quebec's desire for sovereignty was more recognized than that of the First Nations. -
Nisga’a Treaty
In BC, the Nisga'a peoples signed a treaty with the provincial and federal government. They were given 1922 square kilometers of land, in addition to control over culture,language, and family life -- a high level of self-government. They were also given hunting and fishing rights, as well as 190 million dollars. -
Gustafasen Lake BC
First Nations people protested government responses to land claims by occupying what they considered sacred land, which happened to be the land of a rancher. Armed intervention was involved. -
Ipperwash Ontario
Similar to Gustafasen, the Ipperwash protest took place in Ontario. First Nations peoples occupied a former World War II military base that had never been returned to them. Confrontations turned violent and one Aboriginal protester was killed. -
Delgamuluukw Case
The Supreme Court of Canada allows for First Nations to reclaim land if they could prove they had previously occupied it continuously and exclusively. This was a pioneering case that was applied throughout the country. -
Statement of Reconciliation Issued
The Statement of Reconciliation was a formal and thorough recognition of the presence of the First Nations before settlers, the impact of residential schools, and apologies for previous government neglect. While this was a step in the right direction, much more remains to be done. -
Creation of Nunavut
The Creation of Nunavut was a major step forward for Aboriginal Self Government, as they were given the right to self-govern over usage of natural resources, education, and justice. There are no parties, rather, individuals run and elected members vote for a leader.
